How to Become an Electrician in Toronto

It takes almost five years to become a certified electrician.

There are plenty of job opportunities in the city of Toronto for qualified electricians. In the province of Ontario, electricians must complete a 9,000-hour apprenticeship to earn the certification necessary to become a skilled electrician. Sometimes an experienced electrical worker can bypass the apprenticeship process if they have sufficient proof of required work hours. A certified electrician can choose to work in a variety of different settings and look forward to receiving increases in pay over time. Working as an apprentice will provide you with the skills and experience needed to become an electrician.

Things You'll Need

• High school education (grade 10 or 12)
• Ontario high school equivalency certificate
• Certificate of apprenticeship
• Certificate of qualification

Instructions

1. 

   Get a minimum of a grade 10 high school education.

   Complete your grade 10 Ontario high school education if you plan to work in the construction and maintenance field. You must complete your grade 10 English and math credits at the applied or academic level.

2. Get an Ontario secondary school diploma to become an industrial electrician. You must complete your grade 12 English and Math credits at the applied or academic level. Adults can get an Ontario High School Equivalency Certificate by passing a General Educational Development (GED) test (see Resources).

3. Apply for an electrician apprenticeship program. Apprentices receive a combination of paid on-the-job training and in-school coursework. An electrician apprenticeship lasts for approximately five years. High school students age 16 and over can apply for the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) through their high school. Visit the guidance counselor or co-operative education teacher to start the application process. Adults can apply for an electrician apprenticeship through a post-secondary educational institute. Humber College and George Brown College both offer electrician apprenticeship programs.

4. Complete your apprenticeship and take the final examination to receive a Certificate of Apprenticeship.

5. 

   After you get a Certificate of Qualification, you can apply for electrician jobs.

   Apply for the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities exam for electricians. In order to take the exam, you will need to fill out an application and show proof of apprenticeship completion. If you can prove that you have 9,000 hours of electrician work experience, you may be able to take the exam without an apprenticeship. Once you take and pass the exam you will receive a Certificate of Qualification and become a skilled electrician, also known as a journeyman.

Tips & Warnings

• When applying for an electrician apprenticeship program, choose an educational institute regulated by the Apprenticeship and Certification Act.

• When you begin your apprenticeship your employer must provide you with an apprenticeship contract. Read over your contract carefully so you understand the stipulations.

• Take high school science and computer classes and get your driver's license. Having a driver's license, computer skills and a background in science may increase your chances of getting hired as a electrician.

References

• ECAO: Frequently Asked Questions: Apprenticeship/Electrician
• Ontario: Trades Qualification and Apprenticeship Act
• Humber: Electrician: Construction and Maintenance Apprenticeship
• TradeAbility.ca: Electrician - Construction & Maintenance
• Ontario Ministry Of Training, Colleges and Universities

Resources

• Ontario Ministry Of Training, Colleges and Universities: Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP)
• Independent Learning Centre: GED Testing